Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
December 14, 2020
Given the change of course that has happened in the world, we wanted to provide expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. We wanted to know what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market.
Companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market. Recent graduates actually have an advantage because they are comfortable using newer technologies and have been communicating virtually their whole lives. They can take what they've learned and apply it immediately.
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our Panel of Experts
California Institute of Technology
California State University, Fullerton
The University of Texas at Austin
University of Delaware
American Geosciences Institute
Environment & Infrastructure Solutions
UCAR
Bryn Mawr College
Georgia Southwestern State University
East Los Angeles College
Appalachian State University
St. Norbert College
Michael E. Oskin Ph.D.
Professor and Department ChairCalifornia Institute of Technology
Department of Geology
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Michael E. Oskin Ph.D.: Yes. The economic shift of the pandemic has affected job sectors that employ geoscientists. Some, such as oil, are seeing a dip on top of a long-term decline. Others, like geological engineering, are seeing an uptick with construction taking advantage of the window of people sheltering away from work sites and schools. Longer term, it will depend on the economy, but I think this pattern will hold. More jobs in consulting and environmental work, less in oil and mineral exploration.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Michael E. Oskin Ph.D.: Field skills remain essential for many, but not all, practicing professional geologists. It's also important to recognize that field training excludes many and that career opportunities in geology are broad. Quantitative reasoning, computational skills (modeling, statistics, data analysis) and GIS are all important. Good writing skills are a must for conveying knowledge to clients and stakeholders.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Michael E. Oskin Ph.D.: Same as the skills above. For some careers, the field experience is a must. Quantitative reasoning, computation, and GIS skills stand out. Good writing skills are a key to career advancement.
Dr. Adam Woods Ph.D.
Professor and ChairCalifornia State University, Fullerton
Department of Geological Sciences
WebsiteWhat are the best companies to work for?
Dr. Adam Woods Ph.D.: Most of our graduates work for environmental or engineering companies that range from regional to international scale.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for graduates in this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Adam Woods Ph.D.: We anticipate an increase in demand as climate change and environmental awareness increase the demand for green industries and clean up the past mistakes.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Adam Woods Ph.D.: Work opportunities in the geosciences should exist almost anywhere in the United States because of the need to build safely, responsibly manage natural resources, and maintain water quality.
Gregory Knapp Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director, Sustainability StudiesThe University of Texas at Austin
Department of Geography and the Environment
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Gregory Knapp Ph.D.: Many of them go into public administration, teaching, and science/technology professions. About half of our students end up going to graduate school. I often recommend that graduates volunteer for the Peace Corps or spend time traveling and trying out different jobs. Many of our students do internships, which have been very useful in choosing careers.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Gregory Knapp Ph.D.: GIS and other digital technologies will continue to be important in our field, with continued advances in visualization and representation (mapping).
How would you rate the starting salaries for graduates in this field, as well as the salary prospects down the line as they advance in their careers?
Gregory Knapp Ph.D.: I'll defer to others with more recent info, but starting salaries and last salaries have typically been among the highest in Liberal Arts, along with Economics. That said, students do not typically prioritize money in their major, but rather, are interested in changing the world.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Estella Atekwana Ph.D.: There's no question, entering the job market this year has been challenging. The effects of the pandemic have been felt in every industry, and some of the fields in which geoscientists make a living, like the energy market, are subject to uncertainty for both economic and political reasons. But in one sense, geoscientists are in a better position than many because of the relevance of the geosciences to society. The education we provide students -a knowledge of geoscience across disciplinary boundaries-and the development of soft skills such as team work, working collaboratively, problem solving, critical thinking, communication and more-are what industry employers are seeking, and they help students navigate the rapidly changing job landscape.
Christopher M. Keane Ph.D.
Director, Geoscience Profession and Higher EducationAmerican Geosciences Institute
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Christopher M. Keane Ph.D.: Employers are seeking graduates who have a strong and broad geoscience background with good quantitative/data skills. The biggest items many are indicating is the need for new employees to have applied skills so they can get working on projects immediately. Though most geoscience industries have not seen any major slowdown because of COVID (oil and gas was already is a substantial slow-down), employers are also valuing individuals who can demonstrate the ability to work independently, more than ever, as social distancing and remote work are becoming ingrained into the workplace fabric.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Christopher M. Keane Ph.D.: Oil and Gas and Mining tend to be very regional; however, the professional services sector, where the majority of geoscientists and hydrologists work, is fairly ubiquitous. Urban areas do tend to have more jobs overall, partly because of the higher levels of development going on, which require the expertise. Traditionally, when the energy industry is thriving, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, Denver, and Los Angeles tend to be hot beds. However, in the professional services sectors, New York, Washington, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles seem to be particularly active, but that is certainly not exclusive of even smaller cities having opportunities
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Christopher M. Keane Ph.D.: Machine learning and drones are already having a major impact on the field. Machine learning is helping in moving through lots of "predictable" data and observations so that the scientists can focus on the harder science problems. The key will be for the professionals to use it as an effective tool. Drones and IoT are booming right now because they are bringing low-cost ways to collect lots of real-time and local data without the huge expense of constant field work. Like Machine Learning, it is not eliminating the need, but rather addressing the time-consuming core workload of predictable data collection and, rather, helping focus the professionals on the challenges - and then to do the field studies focusing on just those challenges.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
J. Todd McFarland: Attention to detail with note taking, ability to focus on a task and not try to get it done as fast as possible, and a willingness to try something new will be great starting points as you start your career. If you are assigned a task that might be anything you had ever thought you would be doing as a geoscientist, just go for it. You might realize that is the direction your career should go, or you might decide that is the direction you want to avoid. Both outcomes are okay, but developing a wide range of skills will only improve your marketability. Don't hesitate to ask questions (the more the better). I want to hire staff that are interested in the job, not just interested in the task they are working on that day. A curiosity to really understand the business. Also, as you start your career, you will be in the field - a lot. You should be, right? However, please understand that your managers are observing you and evaluating you on how you would do in front of a client. Whatever situation you find yourself in on a job site, always be a professional that acts with integrity.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
J. Todd McFarland: I work in environmental consulting and it is a global business. The current pandemic has shown that we can work anywhere, as long as we have a computer and WiFi. We will see this trend continue as companies are realizing they don't need to spend the money to have an office full of employees, so expect to see more work at home options with smaller offices used for client meetings or staff gatherings. In traditional settings, large cities across the US are going to have established environmental consulting offices. Decide where you want to be and see what companies are in the area. Also, if you find a good opportunity with an established company that might not be your first choice of city to start your career, don't let that be your deciding reason. Most companies will welcome transfers across office locations for the employees they want to keep.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
J. Todd McFarland: We already have tablets for field data collection and that will only increase in the future. Cloud-based data collection for real-time access by project managers and review by clients will be the norm along with virtual meetings, virtual interviews, and virtual presentations. Geoscientists with a solid geoscience education combined with a technological understanding of a variety of data collection, analysis, and interpretation tools will be valuable addition for a company.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Matthew Kelsch: Because COMET is a training group and we don't actually do hydrologic forecasts, my answers about what hydrologists can expect in the job market may be different from what you would get from actual hydrological forecast and management organizations. You may want to reach out to the USGS, the US Army Corps of Engineers, or the National Weather Service.
My perspective is that when COVID is under control, office work will increase again, but perhaps the balance between office work and work-at-home will be different in the post-COVID era than it was before. There are also hydrology jobs that involve outdoor tasks (site surveys, stream gauge calibration and maintenance) and those will likely remain necessary and important.
There are non-COVID factors too. In the cycle of drought, we are currently in a phase with increasing drought, especially in the western U.S. If that continues, it may trigger more interest and funding for water supply planning and mitigation. As the climate becomes more variable, more extreme droughts and floods may trigger increased focus on hydrologic research, development, and adaptations.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Dr. Arlo Weil: Geology is a broad career category because of the incredible diversity of job types and opportunities there are for students with a geology degree. In general, a geologist needs to be a good observationalist, needs to be able to collect and analyze data, needs to be quantitatively inclined, needs the ability to visualize in three-dimensions, needs a sense and appreciation of deep time, needs to be a good problem solver, especially with inadequate data, and needs to be comfortable and effective at communicating orally and in writing.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Arlo Weil: Due to the many different directions a geology major can go, any place really is a good place for a job, though obviously, the current pandemic is causing restrictions in hiring. Environmental consulting jobs are ubiquitous and are often a good starting point in the professional geologist track. If one is more interested in the petroleum and/or mining industries, then obviously, the areas of active exploration are more limited. Policy, public planning, hazard mitigation, education, government, and nonprofit work provide further opportunities for geologists.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Arlo Weil: Geology continues to become more computational and quantitative. We encourage our students to take several math courses during their undergraduate career, as well as gain any computational experience they can. Learning a computer language is becoming more and more critical in the professional and academic areas of geologic sciences.
Lysa Chizmadia
Associate ProfessorGeorgia Southwestern State University
Department of Geology
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Lysa Chizmadia: Mathematical & Computational, Analytical & Laboratory, Theoretical & Logical Reasoning, data analysis.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Lysa Chizmadia: Petrochemical, Industrial, Environmental, Pharmacology. I think the highest concentrations of these fields would be in California, Texas, and New Jersey.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Lysa Chizmadia: Massively - students should concentrate on mastering analytical and laboratory skills in addition to programming like Python and matlab.
Dr. Emily Haddad Ph.D.
Professor of GeologyEast Los Angeles College
History
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Emily Haddad Ph.D.: Earth science is a massive field with diverse working opportunities, from academia to private industry to public service. Learn as much as you can about the different options available to your specialty, and keep an open mind about the direction you want to move in your career. You may have to explore multiple options before finding the right fit! As an undergrad and early grad student, I was convinced I would go through the traditional PhD-postdoc-research professor pipeline, but have seen a lot more personal fulfillment pursuing a teaching career.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Emily Haddad Ph.D.: There are emerging technologies in many of the geoscience disciplines, especially in climate research. Still, an overall piece of advice is to remain amenable to acquiring new knowledge and continued competency in computer/coding/software skills. For example, most companies now expect expertise in GIS software. More generally, excellent communication skills, including social media literacy, are increasingly essential to explain the significance and impact of your research to investors, legislators, and the public.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Emily Haddad Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic will have an enduring effect on the global economy; however, the geosciences have always been an eminently employable field and should continue to be so in the future. With the increasing imperative for solutions to a worsening climate crisis and the need to restructure the workforce, the geosciences are an obvious avenue for job creation and an excellent choice for a major!
Dr. William Anderson
Professor and Chair, Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences Appalachian State UniversityAppalachian State University
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. William Anderson: Students graduating from my department at Appalachian with bachelor's degrees in geology and environmental science have successfully gotten job offers, even through the Covid-19 emergency. Employers are still hiring, in many instances, and many employers are hiring recent graduates who have limited work experience. However, I have noticed that those who are willing to search over a wide geographic area are having an easier time finding a job than limiting their searches to a narrow geographical area. Another way to improve the chance of getting a job is to get a master's degree. Many job opportunities listed in online search engines require a master's degree. A downturn in the economy is a prime time to pursue higher education.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. William Anderson: Quantitative skills and field experience are essential skills, especially for those who want a career in the environmental industry. Field skills will provide a graduate with the ability to be productive, right from the start of a new job. Field skills are only part of the equation, though. A combination of field skills and the ability to analyze the collected data will take a new employee far. The more a graduate can offer to a potential employer in these two areas, the more pivotal to getting hired. I recommend that students not only choose courses to take that will enhance their overall knowledge of earth and environmental sciences, but also to choose paths, such as hydrogeology, that will show potential employers that they have the skills, both field and quantitative, that will be valuable to that employer. Also, the graduate should list these field and quantitative skills in their resume.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. William Anderson: It is difficult to say how the coronavirus pandemic will affect graduates. Indeed, their education has been unique, to say the least, over the past year. A switch to online learning, which was necessary, has affected field-based courses. Students graduating this year may not learn as many field-based skills as students have learned in the past. A key thing to remember, however, is that all students graduating in the past year and competing for those entry-level jobs have all been through the same situations, so it should be a level playing field. Also, this may be another reason to go directly into a master's program. If we can get through the pandemic by the time this year's graduates begin master's programs next year, classes may be returning to a more standard setup, and students can make up for field opportunities that may have been missed due to the crisis.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Nelson Ham Ph.D.: Consider taking on short term job opportunities for awhile that expand your experience and skill set-internships, research opportunities, and volunteer positions
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Nelson Ham Ph.D.: Geospatial technology skills (GIS) should be your number one priority. Seek out online learning options if you don't have anything close to home to give you more expertise. There several excellent programs that are available via distance learning.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Nelson Ham Ph.D.: From a professional perspective, everything from now on will be different in some way. Embrace the fact that working remotely will be much more common-learn how to do that well, whether as an educator or professional geoscientist working in industry or government.
